CAIRO, Egypt, October 26, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
On October 25, Egypt and the United States celebrated the resumption of co-production of M1A1 Abrams Tanks at a ceremony held at the Egyptian Tank Plant outside of Cairo. The manufacturing of M1A1s in Egypt is a key part of ongoing U.S. support for Egypt’s crucial role as a factor of security and stability in the region. Through this program, the Tank Plant provides jobs for over 2500 Egyptians and supports the capacity of the Egyptian Armed Forces to defend the country.
Egyptian Minister of Military Production, Major General Mohamed Al-Assar, the Senior U.S. Defense Official in Cairo, Major General Charles Hooper, and other senior officials attended the ceremony.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Ambassador Beecroft called it “another indication of the strong partnership between the United States and Egypt. For nearly three decades, Egypt and the United States have cooperated in a successful tank co-production program. This is the only plant in the world that produces new M1A1 tanks, and it provides the people and the armed forces of Egypt with jobs and security capability.”
Part of the United States’ $1.3 billion annual commitment to supporting Egypt’s security, the resumption of co-production manufacturing of M1A1 Abrams tanks is the most recent step taken by the U.S. government in partnership with Egypt. In addition to creating jobs in Egypt, the program includes training and support that helps build relationships between Egyptians and Americans.
